1904-1905.] 267 



on taking part in what must be regarded as one of the most 

 enjoyable of the many successful excursions of the Belfast 

 Naturalists' Field Club. Mr. A. R. Hogg had &^nt a large 

 collection of photographs of the district to be visited, and 

 during the journey the Secretary went from compartment to 

 compartment and handed these round for m.embers to inspect. 

 The examination of these photographs gave great pleasure, 

 and raised many discussions as to the ages of some of the 

 antiquities pourtrayed or on the reasons why they had been 

 constructed; those showing the interiors of the chambers of 

 Dowth and Newgrange (taken by flashlight) being specially 

 admired. On arrival at Drogheda a short time was allowed 

 to permit some of the members to procure refreshments after 

 their early start (some having been compelled to leave their 

 homes as early as five o'clock), but at 10-15 all were seated 

 on brakes and cars, and the procession of ten vehicles started 

 from the station, and proceeded to the obelisk on the north 

 or left bank of the River Boyne. Here time was allowed for 

 members to make collections and to inspect the celebrated 

 battle-ground, the positions taken up by the combatants on 

 that July morning being pointed out. The obelisk, 150 feet 

 high, is erected on the spot where it is supposed King William 

 commenced the attack, having led his forces thither down the 

 road still known as "King William's Road"; and it records 

 the death of the famous General Schomberg, who, crossing 

 the ford, was killed by a random shot of one of his own men. 

 While some of the members occupied themselves by con- 

 templating and discussing these historical events, others wan- 

 dered by the river bank searching for botanical or zoological 

 treasures, and many interesting notes were made and speci- 

 mens taken for further examination and study. But, as a 

 large programme had been drawn up, time would not permit 

 of a thorough investigation, and the whistle of the conductor 

 summoned all to resume seats, no doubt to the regret of the 

 botanists and zoologists but the archaeologists wanted their 

 innings, and from this point the excursion became mainly 

 archaeological, though of such a character that it could not fail 



